Optical Lens Unpacking with Automated Cutting and Sliding Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual unpacking of optical lenses and lens blanks from their packaging is labor-intensive, costly, and prone to human error, which can lead to processing errors and machine damage in high-volume production environments.

Innovation Solution

An automated method and device for cutting open the packaging sides of optical lenses or lens blanks using cutting or sawing tools, combined with a slider mechanism to eject the lenses reliably, and optionally cutting both sides simultaneously to ensure smooth ejection without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual unpacking is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor costs increase and human error occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunpacking accuracyVSAvoidautomation level

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging is equipped with self-identifying features (optical markers, RFID tags, barcodes) that enable the automated system to identify and process each package independently without human intervention, achieving reliable automated unpacking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated cutting is implemented, then labor costs are reduced, but risk of damage to workpieces increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunpacking speedVSAvoidworkpiece damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification and planning of the cutting path using optical scanning and marker recognition before the actual cutting operation begins, allowing the automated cutter to precisely follow the predetermined path and avoid damaging the workpiece

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Optical markers and RFID tags serve as intermediaries between the packaging and the automated cutting system, providing precise positioning information that enables the cutter to accurately follow the intended path without直接接触 the workpiece

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If packaging information is manually transferred, then flexibility is maintained, but errors due to human error increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation transfer accuracyVSAvoidunpacking time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical process of reading and writing down packaging information is replaced by an automated optical scanning system that directly reads markers and RFID tags on the packaging and electronically transmits the data to the processing system, eliminating human error and reducing time loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3819092B1Method for unpacking a workpiece, unpacking device and a processing device comprising same

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 OPTOTECH AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for unpacking a workpiece (1), in particular an optical lens or an optical lens blank (2), from a packaging (10), in which an automated cutting of a first packaging side (11) of the packaging (10) takes place, as well as an automated sliding out of the packaging (10) on the first packaging side (11).Furthermore, the invention relates to an unpacking device (30) for unpacking a workpiece (1) from a package (10), comprising a feed station (40) for receiving a package (10) in which a workpiece (1) is arranged, a cutting station (60) with a first cutting or sawing tool (61) for automatically cutting open a first packaging side (11) of the package (10) behind the feed station (40), and a sliding station (70) behind the cutting station (60) with which an automated relative movement between the package (10) and the workpiece (1) can be generated, by which the workpiece (1) slides out of the package (10) on the first packaging side (11).